League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United welcome Sligo Rovers to Weavers Park for the second time in seven days on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders came out on top during the last meeting between the pair in the FAI Cup – winning 2-1 thanks to a late Ryan Brennan strike.

Sligo took the lead into following a Max Mata penalty – but Drogs hit back and secured their passage into the next round of the competition.

Drogheda equalised just before the hour mark as Adam Foley prodded home after he got on the end of a Dayle Rooney cross.

Kevin Doherty’s men hit the front with ten minutes remaining after Sligo’s Daniel Lafferty was sent off for striking out at Kyle Robinson in the box.

Ryan Brennan stepped up to fire home from the spot and seal a 2-1 win for the Boynesiders.

Drogs will now play Kerry in the next round of the cup – but before they can think of that they will play the Bit O’ Red again tonight.

Jarlath Jones Dylan Grimes are set to miss out through injury. 

SLIGO ROVERS

After a 2-1 Cup defeat to Drogheda United last week, John Russell’s men return to the same venue with a point to prove in the league.

A 3-0 win over Cork City in their last league game eased Sligo’s relegation worries – and they are now six points clear of the Leesiders.

But Rovers are set to remain without Garry Buckley, James Finnerty, Reece Hutchinson, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan through injury on Friday.

However, they have been dealt another blow on the suspension front with Danny Lafferty and Richard Brush handed lengthy bans by the FAI following their red cards in the FAI Cup last week.

Lafferty was dismissed last for striking out at Drogs forward Kyle Robinson and has been issued with a six-match ban.

Brush was subsequently given a three-game ban.

Those suspensions come following Bogdan Vastsuk’s exit from the club earlier this month.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United

Injured: Jarlath Jones, Dylan Grimes.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Reece Hutchinson, Garry Buckley, James Finnerty.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Daniel Lafferty, Richard Brush.